COP21: Antoine Frérot is one of the 78 CEOs who have undertaken to promote the transition to a low carbon economy

Meeting at the instigation of the World Economic Forum(1) a few days prior to COP 21, the CEOs of 78 major international groups - collectively representing 1.8 trillion euros in revenue - called on world leaders to come to an ambitious climate agreement. They reaffirmed their mobilization and commitment to promoting the transition to a low-carbon economy that will create jobs and growth in both developed and emerging economies. Veolia CEO Antoine Frérot is one of the signatories to the statement.

In an open letter to governments around the world, these leaders, who represent Brazilian, Chinese, European, Indian and American multinationals from all sectors of the economy, undertake to work together to design and deploy solutions that will drive the transition to a low carbon economy.
These CEOs are already very committed to reducing the environmental and carbon footprints of their businesses. They are now inviting the heads of state and government that will be meeting in Paris to encourage the implementation of the following measures:

the introduction of explicit or implicit carbon pricing to trigger investment in low-carbon solutions

strong support for innovations that will promote alternative and renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and bring an end to deforestation,

extend the battle against climate change, with greater transparency in relation to the risks and with projects that will improve funding for low-carbon projects such as green bonds,

the establishment in all states of rigorous national and global goals for both reducing global greenhouse gas emissions and developing alternative energy sources.

The open letter was widely welcomed.

Christiana Figueres, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) said “climate action represents a massive economic opportunity,” adding: “It is the first intentionally directed industrial revolution and will be the source of new jobs and strong growth for the coming decades.”

Al Gore, Vice-President of the United States (1993-2001) and Member of the World Economic Forum Foundation Board, also welcomed the pledge and said: “To change the course of history and set us on a path towards sustainable growth, we need more businesses like these to engage and to lead the global transformation to low- carbon economies.”